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Leaking rear differential

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by Sharkpilot, Dec 9, 2016.

  1. Dec 9, 2016 at 7:04 PM
    #1
    Sharkpilot

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    Sharkpilot [OP] New Member

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    Apologies if this is a duplicate thread. I haven't figured out the search engine on this site yet. I'm new to my 2002 4Runner by 2 days and it looks like the dealer's vehicle description was "off" on the condition and the rear diff is leaking. Any ideas on how much this costs to fix? I will get inspected and find out WHAT aspect of it is leaking, but I'm guessing this is an expensive job.
     
    Last edited: Dec 10, 2016
    Sharkpilot, Dec 9, 2016
    #1
  2. Dec 10, 2016 at 7:03 AM
    #2
    wnelax04sr5

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    wnelax04sr5 New Member

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    do you have pictures? where is it leaking from?
     
    wnelax04sr5, Dec 10, 2016
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  3. Dec 10, 2016 at 12:23 PM
    #3
    Sharkpilot

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    Sharkpilot [OP] New Member

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    image.jpg image.jpg image.jpg image.jpg Here are my pics
     
    Sharkpilot, Dec 10, 2016
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  4. Dec 10, 2016 at 12:58 PM
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    4runner52

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    4runner52 New Member

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    Toytec Ultimate Lift Spidertrax 285 Duratracs Custom Armor 22" lightbar Cobra 19 CB Other Shenanigans
    That's one rust SOB. Id guess that you have a bad seal on the diff cover or one of the crush washers on the fill or drain plug needs to be replaced. I would start there. Easy and cheap fix
     
    4runner52, Dec 10, 2016
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  5. Dec 10, 2016 at 8:59 PM
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    Sharkpilot

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    Sharkpilot [OP] New Member

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    It looks a lot worse than it is because of that stupid fuel tank cover. What a waste of metal. Inferior metallurgy on all of those models. I ordered a brand new OE one that I will have coated and rust proofed before install. Most of the rust on the diff itself is surface, but yeah, I'd love to replace the whole thing. Maybe in a year, but it's $2000 for parts and labor to replace that bugger. Thanks for the suggestion.
     
    Sharkpilot, Dec 10, 2016
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  6. Dec 11, 2016 at 5:20 AM
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    wnelax04sr5

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    wnelax04sr5 New Member

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    i second replacing the washers and the seal, those parts are super cheap and easy to replace
     
    wnelax04sr5, Dec 11, 2016
    #6
  7. Dec 11, 2016 at 10:10 AM
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    4runner52

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    4runner52 New Member

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    Let us know if that doesn't fix your problem.
     
    4runner52, Dec 11, 2016
    #7
  8. Dec 11, 2016 at 4:02 PM
    #8
    Sharkpilot

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    Sharkpilot [OP] New Member

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    I'm getting a full vehicle inspection Wednesday so I'll see what they say. I hope it's that simple. The smell of gear oil is starting to fill my garage. Hasn't started dripping on the floor yet, but that's a matter of time.
     
    Sharkpilot, Dec 11, 2016
    #8
  9. May 29, 2018 at 7:11 PM
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    Akjackson

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    Akjackson New Member

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    What did u ever find out about this?
     
    Akjackson, May 29, 2018
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